Burger King, the world’s second largest hamburger chain, will open up its first South African branch this Thursday at midday, on Heerengracht Street in Cape Town. The first 1000 customers through the door will receive a free Whopper, according to the chain.
 
The international chain have been around since 1954 and are most famous for The Whopper, a burger with a 100% beef pattie cooked over an open flame, which is also available as a Double Whopper, or in a kiddies’ portion. Other options available in the local chain include vegetarian bean burgers, crispy crumbed chicken, grilled chicken fillet and chicken nugget burgers, as well as a Fish King burger. The chain’s famous onion rings, chilli cheese nuggets and a range of desserts (we like the sound of hot chocolate brownies and blondies) will also be on offer. The entire menu is halaal, which has caused a bit of a ruckus among some bacon-loving folk.
 
The new branch offers kids plenty of entertainment opportunities, with a mini basketball court, Playstation 3 consoles, a jungle gym and a room with an interactive floor, which can be customised for children’s parties.
 
Burger King South Africa is a partnership between the international brand and a local company, Grand Parade Investments. The company is also planning a factory in Elsie’s River to supply meat to the whole of sub-Saharan Africa – a sign of a fairly aggressive expansion plan.
 
“By the end of the year we should have about six [Burger King branches] up and running,” said Grand Parade chairman Hassen Adams in an interview with MoneyWeb.
 
They want to get at least two drive-throughs built this year, and the company also plans to open outlets in Tyger Valley and Cavendish in the next month or so.
 
Want to see The Whopper enjoying his first few days in Cape Town, ahead of the launch? Check out Burger King South Africa’s Facebook page to see him tanning (‘toasting the sesame seeds’) on Camps Bay beach, cruising the Waterfront, and taking a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak.

Photographs: Cat Drowley, Simon Deiner and Gary Stemmett.